Rants, thoughts and comments from another Rick in Canada

Prayers of the People for Maundy Thursday, 2017

Together we come to God, aware of our brokenness, aware of our call, aware of the world’s need, and asking that we be strengthened for ministry.

[Short pause]

God of sacrament, you come to us in physical things, in words of promise, in actions celebrated together. Remind us, through these gifts, of your presence in all of life. Lord, in your mercy,Hear our prayer.

God of service, your gifts call us away from self-centredness, and call us to care for the people and world around us. Strengthen our faith to believe that you have given us all we need to be your people, and to reach out. Lord, in your mercy,Hear our prayer.

God of community, your church is not the goal. A restored creation is your goal. Free us from small and fearful thinking, and help us live into your grand design. Lord, in your mercy,Hear our prayer.

God of healing, establish your reign in the lives of all who are ill, who are ignored, who are considered expendable, and enable us to move past the barriers we have constructed. Lord, in your mercy,Hear our prayer.

God of life, you are the core of all existence, you are the heart of all being. Open us to life in all its wonder, so that, in the face of all that denies life, we may be faithful in our calling to follow Jesus. Lord, in your mercy,Hear our prayer.

We offer all these prayers, as well as the unspoken longings of our hearts, to you, liberating God, in the name of Jesus, your liberating SaviourAmen.